Philadelphia finally opens first protected bike lanes

Philly was largest U.S. city without protected bike lanes

The city of Philadelphia took the next step this week in an ongoing effort to make roadways safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Mayor Jim Kenney, other city officials and biking advocates were on hand Friday to cut the ribbon to officially open the city's first protected bike lanes.

The mile-long, two-way lane is located on Ryan Avenue between Rowland and Lexington Avenues in the city's Mayfair section. The lanes run along Abraham Lincoln High School, Austin Meehan Middle School and Pennypack Park.

“This protected bicycle lane is an important first step to celebrate as we start to create a network of protected bicycle lanes in the City,” Kenney said. “My administration is committed to introducing more protected bicycle lanes in order to provide safe and comfortable routes for Philadelphians of all ages and abilities.”

The lanes provide a safe space between the sidewalk and parking lanes for cyclists. Another key feature to protected bikes lanes is the flexible delineator posts, which add another layer of protection for cyclists and separate the parking and biking lanes.

PHILADELPHIA STREETS DEPARTMENT/Photo

A new two-way protected bike lane opened on Ryan Avenue.

Cycling advocates have long urged the city to install the lanes. Philly was the largest United States city without protected bike lanes.

Members of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia praised the opening.

“Our members and staff are pleased to provide feedback to the city about the importance of protected bike facilities for the safety of all users, and we look forward to seeing more protected bike lanes in the coming years.” the group's executive director, Sarah Clark Stuart said.